It’s pronounced SKAL-KA-HO
Everyone Should See Skalkaho Falls at Least Once
Take a quick 24 mile drive from downtown Hamilton to view the spectacular Skalkaho Falls.
Falls Creek creates these roaring falls as the creek plunges 150 feet down towards Daly Creek.
The falls are a little taller and noisier than you might expect for such a small creek, creating an impressive experience you won’t forget.
It’s a great way to spend part of a day, and you’ll see some incredible Montana scenery along the way.
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Here’s a Great Video of Skalkaho Falls
Not everyone can make it to the Bitterroot Valley and take in its natural wonders.
If you’d like to experience the power and beauty of Skalkaho Falls, but can’t make the trip, check out this excellent video.
As awesome as this video is, it’s nothing compared to the roar of the falls you’ll hear standing next to them.
When you find yourself in the Bitterroot Valley, it’s well worth the time to go see them in person.
How Skalkaho Falls Got Their Odd Name
Bitterroot Valley residents and frequent visitors forget how odd the word Skalkaho seems to others.
We’ve all become accustomed to its pronunciation, but for those giving it a try for the first time, you hear some interesting and humorous variations.
Most articles attribute the word to the Salish, the longtime residents of the Bitterroot Valley before white settlement, and interpret its meaning as “place of many roads”.
Skalkaho Pass sign on the Skalkaho Road
However, this excellent article about the history of the Skalkaho Road claims the Flathead dictionary of 1865 deduced that Skalkaho meant “place of beaver”, while others in the 1950’s claimed it meant “game trail”.
We’ve decided that pronouncing the name is hard enough, and we’ll pass on trying to determine who’s right about what the word originally meant.
They’re in the Sapphire Mountains
When you visit Skalkaho Falls, you’ll also be visiting the Sapphire Mountains and the Bitterroot National Forest.
You’ll get three great Montana experiences in one trip.
The Sapphire Mountains, on the west side of the Bitterroot Valley, have a different feel than the rugged Bitterroot Mountains on the east side.
The gentler slopes are more accessible, and the Bitterroot National Forest makes public access easy on countless roads and trails.
Beargrass growing along Skalkaho Road / USDA NRCS
If you’re feeling adventurous, continue beyond Skalkaho Falls along the scenic Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway.
This route will take you over Skalkaho Pass to the Flint Creek Valley, home of the charming town of Philipsburg.
You’ll also pass right by Gem Mountain, a popular destination for visitors to mine for raw Sapphire gemstones.
Proceed Cautiously on the Skalkaho Highway
Montana Highway 38, the only direct route linking Hamilton and Philipsburg Montana, is known by many names.
Some refer to it as the Skalkaho Road, while others call it the Skalkaho Highway.
Websites, books, and maps might call it the Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway, or just MT Highway 38.
Whatever you choose to call it, just be careful when driving to the falls, and over Skalkaho Pass if you continue on.
Skalkaho Road / Bitterroot Info
The journey to Skalkaho Falls on Highway 38 begins as a regular 2-lane paved road.
But the pavement ends and the mountain road narrows to one lane as you make your way towards the falls.
As you get closer there are steep drop-off’s along the roadside, and there are frequent pull-out’s for cars to pass each other.
Drive carefully and keep an eye out for each other while sharing the road.
Facts & Figures
Skalkaho Falls are located 24 miles east of Hamilton, MT.
Access to the falls is via MT Hwy 38, beginning just two miles south of Hamilton.
It takes about an hour to get to the falls from central Hamilton.
| LOCATION | Skalkaho Falls on Google Maps |
| SOURCE | Falls Creek |
| DESTINATION | Falls Creek to Daly Creek to Skalkaho Creek |
| HEIGHT OF FALLS | 150 ft |
| ELEVATION | 6,220 ft |
The falls are open all year, but the road is closed seasonally in the winter. Winter access to the falls is by snowmobile, snowshoes, hiking or skiing.
Nearby camping options include Black Bear Campground and Crystal Creek Campground near Mud Lake.
That’s a Good Question
It’s pronounced SKAL-KA-HO
Skalkaho Falls are 150 feet tall.
Although the falls run all year, MT 38 is closed from late November to late May and motor vehicle access is not possible.